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Fourth generation business owner Ben Van Baalen continues family legacy By Michelle Boswell mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com
Ben Van Baalen, left, and his father, Dave Van Baalen.
Ben Van Baalen is the fourth generation in his family to own a business. He can describe in one word how the legacy of his family makes him feel. Proud. “I’m proud! I’m proud to be one of them. Proud to be here. I think it’s tough to look around Peru and find things they haven’t been involved in to help better Peru,” he said. On Monday, July 20, at 10 a.m., Taco John’s, owned by Ben Van Baalen, opened for its first day of business. It is located at 850 North Broadway, Peru. Van Baalen began his career much like his father, Dave Van Baalen. He spent much of his time as a child going to his parents’ businesses, learning the ropes by watching and listening. He started working at the age of 10 at Beef O’ Brady’s. Although he can’t pinpoint the exact lessons he learned from them, he said “seeing how they carried themselves and treated others” shaped him into the person he is today. Van Baalen has met some challenges concerning the opening of a new business in Peru. “Oh boy, all around it has been challenging, not to mention the fact of the timing with COVID-19. It’s not an ideal time to dive into the restaurant world. The employment market is tough, but we have been pleasantly surprised. We hired 55 people and we still have applications coming in,” said Van Baalen. He feels working with people can be one of the biggest headaches and one of the biggest rewards. “Seeing people become successful and having them excel to become their own manager is one of the greatest rewards.” He shared he is looking forward to working with people and excited to bring back Taco John’s. He said social media has shown him how happy the local residents are about this restaurant coming back to Peru. “I can’t wait to see their faces when we give them our product,” he said with a big smile. Van Baalen could have opened his first business anywhere, but there were a few factors that made Peru a perfect choice for Taco John’s. “If you looked for a model location for Taco John’s, Peru is it. It’s perfect for Peru. It is a small-town franchise,” Van Baalen explained. See Legacy, Page 4
Local couple’s invention to put ‘Cahhlm’ in the palm of the hand, Page 2. Photos from Taco John’s opening, Page 6.
July 22, 2020
Proudly Serving Miami County
Vol. 1, No. 24
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THE PAPER
www.thepaperofmiami.com
July 22, 2020
Local couple’s invention to put ‘Cahhlm’ in the palm of the hand felt it…once we had that 3-D print, we didn’t have to imagine it anymore. Then we needed to figure out how to heat this up. We did research on how to heat things up. You can use butane warmers, electric heaters, the one-time hand warmers with a chemical reaction but those
heard a story about a themselves for whatteacher in another city ever situation they who has a student may face. with autism. The stu“This is an intervendent has a hand towel tion to help with a with his mother’s per- panic attack or stress. fume on it and it helps It could be that somecalm him down. “We one has to give a presneeded to find a way to entation. It doesn’t incorporate scent into have to be a diagnosed the product,” he said. issued to help with the Gornto and his wife situation. If someone talked to people who can reach in their have stress or anxiety pocket, purse or desk to learn how they drawer, this is somecope. thing they can do in “They either learn to that moment,” Gornto cope or are on meds,” explained. he shared. The Cahhlm Disc uses The Gorntos have nontoxic, medical been working with grade materials. All companies around the the manufacturers the world to manufacture Gorntos utilize make the parts that make up medical devices. the Cahhlm Disc. They “Quality is very imalso have a local supportant to us,” he said. ply chain and their The cost for the disc is primary manufacturer $29.99 which includes is in Elkhart. taxes and free ship“We have been fortu- ping. The Gorntos recently nate through this take up to 20- minutes process to have the launched their product that came to Dr. to heat up. The averhelp of a lot of people. on the internet and the Gornto during class. age panic attack lasts response on the first Former students, “About three years 20 minutes,” Gornto school counselors, the day was ‘overwhelmago I had a student explained. IU School of Law, Ball ing.’ having a panic attack While coming up “Either someone State School of Busiduring class. As teachneeds one or someone ness and the SHAK ers, Denise and I have with a way to heat up their product, Gornto Makerspace of they love needs one. seen more and more and his wife decided to Kokomo. Gornto cred- The website blew up. stress and anxiety in We were watching the our students in our 20 incorporate other fea- its all the different tures in their product people who helped map that shows when plus years teaching. I that help with anxiety. them improve and resomeone anywhere in waited until we fin“Tactile features search the problem. As the world pings on our ished the activity and such as smooth and website,” Gornto said. Gornto put it, “they walked over to her to The product uses soft filled in the knowledge see how she was doing. rough surfaces along with hard and soft. We gaps that Denise and I inserts that once they She said she just also felt rituals help didn’t have. Although are activated by snapneeded a minute. I wish I could’ve handed because it is a distrac- Denise and I have done ping them, they turn very warm. Or the soft her my hot mug. I had tion from anxiety. Hav- this together, it has taken dozens of people discs can be frozen read that holding onto ing a step by step process creates a ritto design and put it to- and used cold if dea warm mug is actusired. These soft little gether,” Gornto said. ally calming and it’s a ual that is calming,” discs that fit inside the The Cahhlm Disc is trick I have taught peo- Gornto said. Another feature of larger disc can be used for anyone who has ple with public speakthe disc that has a more that 100 times. anxiety, suffers from ing,” he said. huge market is essenpanic attacks or wants They are ‘rechargeAfter that episode, tial oils. Gornto had able.’ There are also to find a way to calm Dr. Gornto started thinking about what had happened and wanted to find a way to help his students with live with anxiety or panic attacks. That’s when the work began. “After class I 606 State Road 13 North • P.O. Box 603 • Wabash, IN 46992 googled it to see what I Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday could do for the kids. Web Address: www.thepaperofwabash.com Nothing was available.” Staff That didn’t stop Publisher Don L. Hurd president@hoosiermediagroup.com Gornto. It only fueled Commercial Printing Sam Frieden sfrieden@thepaperofwabash.com his determination to Editor Michelle Boswell mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com find a way to help othBusiness Manager Julie Loehmer accounting@thepaperofwabash.com ers in need of a calmSales Arlene Long along@thepaperofwabash.com ing mechanism. Prepress & Production Jeff Coleman jcoleman@thepaperofwabash.com “I did a ton of work and decided to make Deadlines something myself. I Display Advertising Friday @ 5:00 p.m. got out 3. 5 notecards Display Advertising requiring proofs Thursday @ 5:00 p.m. and cut them into tiny Classified Advertising/cancellations Friday @ 5:00 p.m. little discs and showed Display Advertising copy changes/cancellation Friday @ 4:00 p.m. it to Denise. She said Production yes, we have to do this. Ads and text may be emailed in PDF format to ads@thepaperofwabash.com or directly to your It just makes sense!” sales rep above. If you have any questions please call for detailed information. From there, Gornto All submitted CDs, DVDs or photos need to be picked up 30 days after print, talked to the junior any left after 30 days will be discarded. high shop teacher and he made some 3-D The Paper reserves the right to refuse for publication any advertising that is considered printed prototypes. offensive, misleading, or detrimental to the public, the newspaper or another advertiser and to edit advertising at its discretion. “Once we saw it and A couple from Peru has designed a product to help people become more calm when facing anxiety and panic attacks. Dr. Jason Gornto and his wife, Denise, have spent three years researching and designing what is now known as the Cahhlm Disc. It was an idea
Dr. Jason Gornto and his wife, Denise, have invented the Cahhlm Disc to help those with anxiety, panic attacks. Photos by Michelle Boswell little felt discs so the user can add essential oils. Those who would like to see how the Cahhlm Disc works, can go to the website at www.cahhlmdisc.com. There is a demonstration, and this is also the site to order Cahhlm Discs. The Gorntos have had Cahhlm Discs in counselors’ offices for students experiencing anxiety or stress. There were students who came back to the counselor’s office and requested to use the
Cahhlm Disc when they went in for another issue. “Our market is counseling centers, school counselors, people who are experiencing trauma and even memory care units,” Gornto explained. The product was supposed to launch in May but because of COVID-19, it was delayed. “I’m hoping most school counselors and counselors of any kind try to see how effective it is. The timing is certainly serendipitous to
help a lot of people. Everything is so unsure and unstable right now and so many people can benefit from this,” he said. Although this project has been exciting for the Gorntos, one thing has not changed. “We are full time teachers and that’s where our hearts are, but this is going to help a lot of people,” he said. The Gorntos are Peru residents and have two children, Samantha, 13 and Phineas, 9.
THE PAPER July 22, 2020
www.thepaperofmiami.com
3
105 W.Third St. | Peru 765.473.6674
FUNERAL HOMES Family Owned & Operated Since 1945 and Serving All Faiths Family Funeral Directors - Thomas Leedy | Julie Leedy-Walker | Mark Frischman
A Trusted Trusted Name in Funeral Funeral Service Service
136 S. Elm St. | Bunker Hill 765.689.9411 Fax 765.473.5996 info@flowersleedyallen.com
Diana Elaine Winters, 71
Obituaries
Teresa Marie Malott, 59
Teresa Marie Malott, 59, of Peru, passed away Monday, July 13, 2020, at her residence. She was born in Peru Feb. 1, 1961, to Clifford Jr. and Joanne Margaret (Hierholzer) Malott. She graduated from Peru High School in 1979. She was married to Andy Spencer for 30 years and worked in home health care for much of her life, working for Senior Helpers as a CNA. An avid thrift store shopper, Teresa was a miniatures collector, and she also made doll houses. She loved meeting people. She also attended Eastpointe Bible Church. She is survived by her mother, Joanne Birkey of Peru; and brothers Tom (Chanda) Malott of Wal-
like to extend a special thank you to her caregivers. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2020, at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. The funeral service followed at 11:30 a.m., with Jeff Hierholzer officiating. Burial took place at Parklawn Cemetery in Amboy, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “Wings of Hope” through Eastpointe Bible Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
ton, Greg Malott of Peru, Lance (Deanna) Malott of New Castle, and Chad (Julie) Malott of Peru. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews and her beloved cat Lizzy. She was preceded in death by her father, brother Terry Malott and special friend Greg Godwin. Teresa’s family would
Leroy Willis Johnson, 73 Leroy Willis Johnson, 73, Macy, Indiana, formerly of Nyona Lake and Tipton, passed away at 6:05 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2020, at his residence. Born March 13, 1947, in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, he was the son of Luke and Helen Johnson. On July 9, 1997, in Tipton, Indiana, he was married to the former Donna Charlene Gustason, and she survives. He was a veteran of the
United States Army, and for many years, he owned his owned and operated his own business as a backhoe operator. He is survived by his wife, Donna Johnson, Macy; daughter, Linda Fields, Rushville; son Leroy Johnson, Jr., Georgia; and son, Lucas Johnson, Macy. Also surviving are a brother and sister, Tim Johnson and Elizabeth Wells, both of Kentucky.
One son, Christopher Johnson preceded him in death. Graveside military rites were conducted by the Miami County Veterans Honor Guard at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2020, at Plainview Cemetery, Macy. McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.
Miriam Mert Mae Butler, 78
Miriam “Mert” Mae Butler, 78, Denver, passed away Friday morning, July 17, 2020, at her residence. Born Sept. 28, 1941, in Denver, Indiana, she was the daughter of Floyd E. and Garnet L. Marburger Fisher. On Jan. 23, 1960, at the Denver Baptist Church, she was married to James E. Butler, and he preceded her in death Oct. 7, 1993. She was a 1959 graduate of Jefferson Township High School in Mexico, Indiana, and she was a lifelong and active member of the Denver Baptist Church, serving for many years as church secretary and the head of the funeral dinner committee. Survivors include her three children, Deanna L. (JC) Stamper, Macy; Scott E. (Bridget) Butler, Denver; and Mark A. (Jennifer) Butler, Denver; four grandchildren, Kallie Butler (fiancé, James Sager), Denver;
Known affectionately as “Auntie Mae,” she is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one sister, Geraldine Patterson. A public visitation was held from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2020, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana. Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the public was encouraged to wear facemasks at the visitation. Markie (Wyland) Sampson, A private family service Denver; Levi Butler (comwas observed Tuesday, July panion, Alivia Garrison), 21, with burial following in Rochester; Derek Butler, Westlawn Cemetery, Denver. Silver Lake; one greatMemorial contributions grandson, Kayson Sampmay be made to Westlawn son, Denver; three step Cemetery Association, Dengrandchildren, Jennifer ver. Miles (companion, Russell Condolences may be sent Carrick), Peru; JC Smith online at (companion, Kayla Slagal), www.mcclainfh.com. McWarsaw; Michael Smith Clain Funeral Home, Den(Kirstie Rutledge), Peru; ver, Indiana, has been eight step great-grandchilentrusted with arrangedren; and one brother, Norments. man (Kay) Fisher, Peru.
Diana Elaine Winters valued family and friends above all earthly things. Even on the worst of days, just a few minutes with one of her grandchildren would bring an hours-long smile to her face. She taught her children to be kind to everyone, regardless of differences, and she always prioritized other people’s needs before her own. Her love of Christmas was absolutely infectious. Although she and her husband had a passion for moving every few years, Diana never failed to turn their newest house into a welcoming home. But it wasn’t the color scheme she chose for the walls or all of the pillows she placed on each bed (and goodness, there were many!) – it was as though she embodied the very concept of home and it followed wherever she went. She was born in Peru, Indiana, Oct. 13, 1948, to Rev. Cannus Sparks and Dorothy Maureen (Lowe) Sparks. She passed away July 10, 2020, after accomplishing a seemingly impossible task: she underwent months of evaluations in the middle of a global pandemic and successfully made the organ transplant list at 71. This isn’t an easy process even in the best of circumstances, but she had one motivating force: “I want to see my grandchildren grow up.” She married Gene Leroy Winters Sept. 9,
1967, and they had three children: Angela, Jeremy and Tiffany. She helped anchor them to the earth, and they feel lost without her. Diana worked many jobs over the years, and she brought the same level of enthusiasm and integrity to every single one. She was a school bus driver (North Miami), a switchboard operator and admissions clerk (Dukes Memorial Hospital) and an administrative assistant for many local physicians over the years. She was also an entrepreneur. Together with her husband, she owned and operated one of the area’s first paintball fields as well as a tea house. Last and certainly not least: Diana was a caregiver and dedicated the last few years of her life to caring for her father, mother and husband. Diana enjoyed gardening, going on drives, playing the piano, dominating at Bananagrams, watching movies, listening to music and making floral arrangements. She cherished visits with her chil-
dren and grandchildren as well as Michael Swihart (son-in-law), Edesio Sánchez-Gómez (son-inlaw) and Mary (Spencer) Winters (daughter-inlaw). She loved her siblings, Deborah Ellen (Sparks) Bowman and “Bud” Cannus Clayborn Sparks – as well as their spouses (Samuel and Lesley) – beyond words. She adored her nieces and nephews and extended family, as well as her husband’s family. Diana treasured her lifelong friendships and appreciated every opportunity they had to laugh together. Diana leaves behind eight grandchildren: Nathanial (18), Gabriel (13), Elijah (12), Noah (12), Jillian (10), Aubrey (10), Clementine (4) and Elliott (1) as well as nine step-grandchildren she loved like her own. She was preceded in death by her father as well as her husband. Her mother survives. Diana was uncommonly selfless, and she carried that spirit with her even into her final moments. A celebration of Diana’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the family via FlowersLeedy Funeral Home to offset her final arrangements. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Charles I. Nethercutt, Jr., 50 Charles I. Nethercutt, Jr., 50, of Peru, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2020. He was born in Wabash Nov. 17, 1969, to Charles I. and Phyllis C. (Martin) Nethercutt. He married Kimberly D. (Frantz) Nethercutt in 2017, and she survives. Charles loved his family and grandkids, and enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. He is survived by his wife, his children: Charles I. Nethercutt, III of Peru, Aaron M. Nethercutt of Peru, Kristopher R. Nether-
cutt (Leighanna) of Mexico, and Bentley L. Fiers of Peru; and 11 grandkids. Also surviving are brothers Dennis Martin (and 4 godchildren) of
Peru, Robert Wilkinson of Peru, and Mike Miller of Peru; sister Sharon Phillips of Tipton; and brother-in-law J.R. Wilkins and family of Peru. He was preceded in death by his parents. Burial will take place at a later date at Greenlawn Cemetery in Mexico, Indiana. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
More Obituaries, Page 8
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THE PAPER
www.thepaperofmiami.com
July 22, 2020
Legacy Taco John’s is a 50year old family-owned company operated by mid 30-year-old people. As Van Baalen put it, “it is an old, established brand with new people running it.” While the business may be 50 years old, the new location in Peru has a state-ofthe-art building that is “bright, colorful and beautiful” Van Baalen said. He believes there are three factors that will make his business stand out and they are the fact that it is Taco John’s, the location of the business and the brand-new building. “Peru loves it (Taco John’s) and it worked out for what we wanted to do,” Van Baalen shared.
continued from Page 1 The location of the building, Dave Van Baalen feels, is a big check mark in the positive column. “It is located near the Roxy Theater. He said 70% of people go out to eat before they go to a movie and what better place to go than Taco John’s located across the road from the movie theater. Dave continued, “It’s a natural addition. It has easy access from town and Business 31. It’s near the sports fields which are a huge draw. There’s going to be a lot of people looking for a place to eat. Lots of visiting teams come into Peru from the north, he said. It’s not just the location of the building that appealed to Ben.
It was the fact that it was going to be in Peru. Because his family had been a part of this community for so long as business owners and residents, Peru was his first choice. “I think I knew I wanted to come back. Whatever I did I wanted to do it in Peru. They (his parents) put their lives into Peru, and I wanted to give back anyway I could. This is where I grew up,” he said. Van Baalen, a 2017 graduate of Peru High School, is currently attending Indiana University of Kokomo for business management. Ben’s parents have been instrumental in
helping him see Taco John’s come to fruition. His mother, Trish, went with him to Wyoming for training to learn all he needed to know running the new business, including how to prepare the food. His parents help him in different ways he said. “I go to my mom for help and I’ve learned so much from my dad,” he said. Being a fourth-generation business owner has its challenges, especially in a small town. There is a pressure that accompanies stories of successful family members who paved the way for young Van Baalen. “I am someone who always wanted to be like my parents and make them proud. You are aware of all the things they have done in the community.
They have massive shoes. I don’t think I could fill those shoes as much as they have done for Peru and that goes beyond my dad. It goes to my grandfather and his legacy. Everybody knew him and it is an amazing legacy. I couldn’t possibly think I could live up to the legacies they’ve left,” he said. Van Baalen said he feels he is much like his father. “I think I’m ambitious and I think I am learner like he is…interested in a broad variety of things, unrelated to anything. It’s a big factor of who he is. We find ourselves talking about random things all the time,” he said. During the interview, he was asked to list some words he would hope his parents would use to describe him. After
“I think I knew I wanted to come back. Whatever I did I wanted to do it in Peru. They put their lives into Peru, and I wanted to give back anyway I could. This is where I grew up.”
Ben Van Baalen Taco John’s owner pausing for a few moments, Van Baalen responded with, “proud of me, honest, caring and tough.” He said his parents have those qualities and he expanded by saying there are very few people who are as caring or as tough as his mother. Van Baalen was asked when he knew he wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps.
He replied, “I can’t say I ever felt any different than that. I just knew this was where I was going. This opportunity arose and here we are.” Now the fourth generation of business owners in the Van Baalen family begins his journey. A path known as a legacy that has been well worn for over 110 years in Peru.
Mobile Food Pantry to be at Denver Baptist The Mobile Food Pantry will be at Denver Baptist Church, 111 North Yorick Street, Denver, Indiana July 29. It will be sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and
Shield. This is a drivethru distribution and no one should
arrive before 10:30 a.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the or-
ganizers ask that all who will be recieving food remain in their vehicles.
Peru Municipal Airport Open House July 25 The Peru Municipal Airport, 1635 N 400 W, Peru, will be hosting an open house on Saturday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Air-
plane rides are being offered for $15 per
person. There will also be an exhibit of
the American Huey 369.
For the latest COVID-19 information for Indiana, go to IN.gov.
THE PAPER July 22, 2020
www.thepaperofmiami.com
On the table...
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Pierogi Princess!
By Laura Kurella
Pierogi is something that I was lucky enough to grow up with thanks to the ethnicity of the region - eastern European – that surrounded us. Finding out through Ancestry.com that I am almost 100% Hungarian (Slovak), it explains why I do love to cook as much as I do, and why I prefer scratch cooking, especially when it comes to special treats like pierogi. The word, pierogi, which has half a dozen variant spellings that are all considered acceptable, comes from the Slavic word, pir, meaning festivity, which is the reason this petite pillow has long been associated with holidays. Since pierogi is the plural use of the word (the singular is pierog, but almost never used), it’s clear that you can never eat only one- just as in cookies or chips! Created simply from noodle dough that is then rolled out and stuffed with potato, cheese or vegetable filling, the Polish/Slovak version of pierogi come with a wide variety of fillings, but there are some basic components. The dough used is unleavened, made without yeast. Mashed potato and cheese are the most common fillings, but ground meat, grains, mushrooms, cabbage, sauerkraut can all feature, as can sweet pierogi. Though served since at least the 13th century in Poland, pierogi did not appear in a cookbook until the 17th century. Because of its basic similarities to so many other specialties, there are all manner of theories as to how
Laura Kurella the dish came to Poland. Perhaps Marco Polo brought it back from China, or the Tartars, or the Mongols left it behind from their campaigns in Russia. While there is much despite on its arrival, there is no disputing that pierogi have become a staple celebratory dish in Poland, especially during holidays. At Christmas pierogi are often filled with sauerkraut, cabbage and mushroom, which harkens back to early Catholic church rules of fasting and abstinence on the day before Christmas, meaning that one’s meal should be absent of meat and dairy. At weddings pierogi often come with a variety of fillings, and are generously stuffed, making them larger than normal to suit the special occasion. However, the most traditional wedding filling is chicken, which resulted in giving this larger-than-normal, over-stuffed with chicken meat pierogi its own name: Kurniki! While this year is running low of reasons to celebrate, young Sloane Kincaid of Cincinnati, Ohio, feels that any time you step in the kitchen and make pierogi is reason enough to celebrate. Revealing that it is possible for anyone to become a pierogi
princess at any age, here now are the recipes she used and had so much fun making, you could almost call it, “Child’s play!” Enjoy! Very Best PotatoCheddar Pierogi Active Time: 35 min; Total Time: 1 hr., 20 min. Yield: 50 pierogi DOUGH 6 large eggs 6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 1 cup mashed potatoes -no lumps/ skins 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon natural fine sea salt 1/2 cup water FILLING 2 1/2 pounds Idaho russet potatoes 1 tablespoon paprika 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder 1/2 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon Natural fine sea salt 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 8 ounces Cheddar, shredded 4 ounces cream cheese All-purpose flour, for dusting For Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, add eggs, flour, mashed potatoes, baking powder, salt and 1/2 cup water. Mix until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Cover the dough in plastic wrap or a slightly damp cloth. Let rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes and up to 4 hours before using. For Filling: Put the potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let rest until the skins are dry. Transfer the potatoes to a mixing bowl, removing skins. Mash potatoes until just broken up. Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tablespoon salt and
Sloane Kincaid shows just how easy and fun it is to make pierogi from scratch, making it possible for anyone to become a pierogi princess! Photo by Laura Kurella. 1/2 tablespoon pepper. Continue mashing until there are no lumps and the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed in. Add cream cheese and continue mixing until blended. Add Cheddar; mix until blended. Refrigerate until chilled. To assemble: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, on a well-floured surface, roll out a ball of Pierogi Dough the size of a large orange into a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Cut
out 3-inch rounds of dough (a pint glass will do). Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each round, then fold the rounds in half. Make sure all air pockets are pressed out of pierogi. Crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers. Place completed pierogi in boiling water for 3 minutes, or until they float. Using a slotted spoon, remove pierogi to a wire rack to drain. At this point, pierogi can be frozen in single layers or
browned in butter in a skillet. To cook Frozen Pierogi: Bring pot of water to boil. Place frozen pierogi into water and cook until they float. Using a slotted spoon, remove pierogi to a wire rack to drain. Heat a skillet with butter and then add pierogi, turning to brown and crisp all sides, to desired doneness. Spinach and Cheese Pierogi Filling Active Time: 5 min; Yield: Enough to fill
24 pierogi 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese 2 (8-ounce) balls fresh buffalo mozzarella, water drained and shredded 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan 2 cups fresh baby spinach, finely chopped 1 large egg Un-refined, natural sea salt and freshly ground black pepper In a mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients, stirring to incorporate.
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THE PAPER
www.thepaperofmiami.com
July 22, 2020
Taco John’s opens in Peru The moment Miami County has been waiting for...
Employees of Taco John’s posed for a photo before the start of opening day. Ben Van Baalen, above, right, owner of Taco John’s, sits with his father, Dave Van Baalen, on the ‘taco bench’. The bench was set outside to provide photo opportunities for customers. People lined up outside to get a golden ticket before the opening of Taco John’s.
Ben Van Baalen goes over last minute instructions with employees before the doors opened at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 20. Fresh taco shells were being prepared minutes before the crowds decended upon the new restaurant. Ben Van Baalen takes a moment for a photo with his mother, Trish Van Baalen, before the grand opening.
Photos by Michelle Boswell
Vehicles lined the west side of North Broadway while customers waited for their first taste of Taco John’s in Peru. The front side of the coveted golden ticket. People camped in the parking lot overnight in hopes of getting a ticket.
Employees gave one last cheer of excitement before the doors opened for business.
THE PAPER July 22, 2020
www.thepaperofmiami.com
7
Police reports Miami County Sheriff ’s Department
July 12
A traffic accident with damage was reported near 5415 N Eel River Rd, Peru.
A transport issue was resolved at 275 W 12th St, Dukes Hospital, Peru.
A suspicious package or item was reported at 14253 N 100 E, Macy.
A protective order was issued at 2110 N Country Club Rd, Peru.
A protective order was issued at 307 E 3rd St, Apt. E, Peru.
A follow up of a crash was conducted near E 800 N and N 700 E, Denver.
A protective order was issued at 2508 Kelly Ave, Peru.
A stolen vehicle was reported at 1026 N Lincoln St, Peru.
A traffic hazard was reported near S Strawtown Pike and E 1150 S, Kokomo.
A transport issue was resolved at 1104 W 200 N, Miami County Sheriff ’s Department, Miami County Jail, Peru.
Reports of an individual threatening children were investigated at 43033 Keesler Ct, Peru.
A protective order was issued at 586 W Egypt Hill Dr, Peru.
A VIN check was conducted at 1688 W 300 S, Peru.
An offender verification was conducted at 112 E Washington Ave, Peru.
An abandoned property was investigated at 717 E Macy Gilead Rd, Macy, but no one was located.
Theft of a cellphone was reported at 2051 W Matador St, Country Cottage Apartments, Apt. 8, Peru.
An animal problem was reported at 3379 W 500 S, Peru.
A disabled vehicle was found near S U.S. 31 and W St. Rd. 218, Peru.
An offender verification was conducted at 2944 W 900 N, Macy.
A traffic accident with damage was reported near E St. Rd. 16 and N 500 E, Denver. A welfare check was requested near 242 W Miller St, Denver. A female was found lost on the country road near 6651 E 975 N, Roann. She was returned home. A traffic stop was conducted near W St. Rd. 18 and S 100 W, Kokomo. July 13 A possible case of someone driving under the influence was reported near S U.S. 31 and W St. Rd. 218, Peru. A lockout was investigated at 3630N Walnut Ln, Mexico. A transport issue was resolved at 1104 W 200 N, Miami County Sheriff ’s Department, Miami County Jail, Peru. A citizen requested assistance at 1932 George Ave, Peru. An offender verification was conducted at 2943 W 300 S, Willow Springs Mobile Home Park, Lot 7, Peru. A transport issue was resolved at 1104 W 200 N, Miami County Sheriff ’s De-
partment, Miami County Jail, Peru. A transport issue was resolved at 1104 W 200 N, Miami County Sheriff ’s Department, Miami County Jail, Peru. A welfare check was requested near 14277 N 400 W, Macy. An offender verification was conducted at 501 W 10th St, Hi ‘N Dri Mobile Home Park, Lot 34, Peru. A traffic stop was conducted near W 100 N and N U.S. 31, Peru. A lockout was investigated at 1736 E Paw Paw Pike, Peru. A VIN check was conducted at 929 W St. Rd. 18, Kokomo. A traffic stop was conducted near N Mexico Rd. and W Kim Rd, Peru.
with damage was reported near W 1400 S and S 400 W, Kokomo.
Peru, was arrested for battery and residential entry.
A suspicious group of vehicles were reported at 10502 S 300 E, Amboy, but were gone upon arrival.
Stephanie Baker of 8416 N CR 800 E, Twelve Mile, was arrested for possession of meth and paraphernalia.
A domestic dispute was resolved near E Mississinewa Dam Rd. and S 675 E, Lost Sister Trail in Wabash, Peru. A juvenile problem was resolved at 1614 Warhawk Rd, Peru. Domestic disturbance was reported at 2478 W Airport Rd, Peru, but was separated before officers could arrive. Ethan Jones of 310 N Meridian, Greentown, was arrested for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. Peyton Sexton of 296 Burton Dr, Kokomo, was arrested for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor.
HAUL-ALL 260-330-1802 • 260-571-2778
Trespassing in a complainant’s driveway was reported at 502 W 10th St, Peru.
Basement, Garage Clean Out, Michael Parrish of New Construction, Roofing 55001 S 1100 W, WestSame Dayville Service Correctional,
A traffic accident with damage was reported at 4830 W 200 N, Peru.
was arrested through Serving Wabash & Surrounding Counties a court order.
A lockout was investigated at 3333 N Lincoln St, Peru.
A wanted person was reported at 6461 S 200 W, Bunker Hill.
July 14
Meghan Jewett of 10-15 Cubic Yard Containers 102 Blackhawk Ct,
A traffic accident
Dennis Benson, address unknown, was arrested for violation of probation. Kristy Parker of 117 W Main St, Apt. C, Marshalltown, Iowa, was arrested for operating while intoxicated. July 15
Criminal mischief was reported at 2078 S Sycamore Blvd, Peru. The report will be forwarded to the Miami county Prosecutor's Office. A suspicious package or item was reported near E 4th St. and N Main St, Bunker Hill. A suspicious package or item was reported near Keesler Ct. and Schilling St, Peru. An agency assistance was requested near W 500 S and S U.S. 31, Peru.
A disabled vehicle was found near S U.S. 31 and W 560 S, Peru. An accidental 911 hang-up was reported at 4360 W 400 S, Peru. This checked ok. A transport issue was resolved at 1104 W 200 N, Miami County Sheriff ’s Department, Miami County Jail, Peru. A disabled vehicle was found near S 100 E and E St. Rd. 18, Kokomo. A caller reported someone had walked over her vehicle putSee Police, page 8
8
THE PAPER
www.thepaperofmiami.com
July 22, 2020
Police
Obituaries Laura Kay Killin, 66 Laura Kay Killin, 66, of Peru, Indiana, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Laura was born in Tipton, Indiana, March 22, 1954, to Perry Killin and Annabelle Partlow. She graduated from Tipton High School in 1971. She moved to Peru in 1988 and resided there till her last days. She was a member of the First Baptist Church for many years. She retired from Delco Electronics in 2006. She enjoyed spending time with her family, attending church and listening to Gospel music. Surviving family include a son, Jonathan Smith,
Kraig L. Kritz, age 64, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2020. Kraig was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, on April 28, 1956, to Leo B. and Esther Baruth Kritz, who owned a farm in Wyoming Valley near Spring Green where he grew up until he moved to Jefferson to attend St. Coletta’s School for the Handicapped and the Jefferson Public Schools. After finishing his schooling, he lived with his mother in Jefferson and worked at Opportunities, Inc. in Fort Atkinson until her death in 1992. Then he lived with his sister Karen Baruth Kritz in Friesland until her death. Beginning in 1999 he lived with Andrea and Lloyd Schaack, who adopted him into their family and home in Avoca, showering him with love. In 2018 he moved to the Marion’s Place in Muscoda, where Gena Green and her staff always treated him
Rickey L. Wimmer, 71, of Peru, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020, at Parkview Hospital – Randallia. He was born in Peru July 12, 1949, to Clayson and Virginia (Renbarger) Wimmer. After graduating from
brothers William (Bill) Killin (California), Jim Killin (Washington), and sister Myrna Armstrong (Washington). She had two granddaughters Brooklyn Garner and Karlee Smith. She had many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by father
Perry Killin, mother Annabelle Partlow and stepfather James Partlow. Viewing was held from Noon to 2 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2020, at FlowersLeedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Funeral services followed immediately at 2 p.m. Monday, with pastor Mark Elliott officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru, Indiana. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Kraig L. Kritz, 64
with kindness and empathy, appreciating his sense of humor. During these years he attended Hodan Community Services in Mineral Point, which he thoroughly enjoyed due to the compassionate care the staff extends to all their clients. Kraig loved swimming, attending Badger Camp in Prairie du Chen, folding his hankies precisely, sorting his coins, balloon tossing, petting cats, watching his Scooby Doo movies (and anything associated with Scooby Doo), wearing three of his souvenir pins daily and always presenting one to any visi-
tor; and always smiling and hugging his friends. He is survived by his sister, Kleo Baruth Kritz (Thomas H. Hurst) of Fitchburg, Wisconsin; his nephew, Bradley A. McClain of Peru, Indiana; and his caregivers, Andrea and Lloyd Schaack of Avoca. A celebration of Kraig’s life will be held 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2020, at the St Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Dodgeville with appropriate social distancing followed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hodan Community Services in Mineral Point. Special thanks to staff of Marion’s Place in Muscoda and Agrace Hospice Care for making Kraig’s final days comfortable and peaceful. Arrangements have been jointly entrusted to McClain Funeral Home, of Denver, Indiana, and Gorgen Funeral Home, of Mineral Point, Wisconsin.
Rickey L. Wimmer, 71 high school, he worked for the C&O Railroad, where he retired as an electrician. In his spare time, Rickey enjoyed Cubs baseball, and loved hot rods, fishing and mushroom hunting. He is survived by his children, Tony
Wimmer of Peru, Rickey Wimmer of Peru, and Jarad Wimmer of Wabash; as well as his grandchildren, Haley Wimmer, Jayci Wimmer and Jayden Wimmer. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Laura.
ting a crack in the windshield at 1137 Barksdale Ave, Peru. A report was taken. An alarm went off at 490 N Main St, Amboy, but there was no answer at the door. A suspicious person or vehicle was reported near W Broadway St. and S U.S. 31, Bunker Hill. A civil issue was resolved at260 S McKee St, Macy. An agency assistance was requested near 37061 Carswell Ct, Peru. A traffic accident with damage was reported at 3599 N Pleasant Dr, Peru. A juvenile problem was resolved at 100 W Broadway St, Bunker Hill Mini Mart, Bunker Hill. A complainant had questions about protective orders at 10622 S Elm St, Miami. Criminal mischief relating to broken windshields was reported at 1507 Forbes Ave, Peru. This is an
continued from page 7 ongoing investigation. Criminal mischief was reported at 1422 Eglin Ave, Peru. A welfare check was requested near 37061 Carswell Ct, Peru. A traffic stop was
conducted near N Mexico Rd. and N 100 W, Peru. Theft was reported at 314 E Washington Ave, Prescott Greene, Apt. 2, Bunker Hill. An alarm went off at 2307Randolph St, Peru.
Marc Sutherland of 305 W Broadway St, Kokomo, was arrested for failing to appear. Andrea Jenkins of 150 W Warren St, Peru, was arrested for possessing marijuana, paraphernalia, and methamphetamine.